Quick change chuck

Abstract

There is provided a keyless chuck, a clutch assembly, and an associated method for releasably gripping a bit. The chuck includes a jaw assembly that is adjustable between open and closed positions, a threaded shaft in operable communication with the jaw assembly, and at least one clutch member. Each clutch member is adjustable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, each clutch member threadably engages the threaded shaft, such that the threaded shaft translates axially and adjusts the jaw assembly between the open and closed positions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1) Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to chucks for gripping bits, such as standard shank drill bits. More particularly, the present invention relates to adjustable chucks for gripping bits such that the bits can be secured during a work process and released thereafter without the use of a key and without requiring two hands.2) Description of Related ArtChucks are used to secure a bit, or work tool, in a machine. For example, many drills, lathes, screwdrivers, and routers include chucks that can hold any of a number of different bits such as drill bits, screwdriving bits, router bits, and the like. For a rotational tool, such as a drill, the chuck must hold the bit in rotational communication with a handle or motor such that the bit is rotated as the handle or motor rotates. Additionally, many chucks also secure the bit axially so that the bit cannot be inadvertently removed from the chuck, for example, while backing a drill bit out of a w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention satisfies the needs of the prior art with a chuck, a clutch assembly, and an associated method for releasably gripping a bit. The chuck includes a jaw assembly that can accommodate different bits and a threaded shaft for actuating the jaw assembly. Clutch members can be adjusted without the use of tools to threadably engage a drive body to the shaft or disengage the drive body from the shaft. The clutch members can be adjusted quickly, and an operator can use a single hand to adjust the chuck and change the bit. Additionally, the chuck is cost-efficient to manufacture and rugged.

Problems solved by technology

The use of a key for securing and releasing a bit in a chuck can be time consuming and difficult, often requiring the use of two hands.

Additionally, if the key is lost, the chuck can be difficult to adjust.

However, none of these proposed chucks has proven completely satisfactory, as evident by the continued use of keyed chucks.

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